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Miniatures Adventure => Old West => Topic started by: pw on June 06, 2016, 05:09:28 PM

Title: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 06, 2016, 05:09:28 PM

Hi All, I've just begun my adventures in Old West gaming and would like to present the Jackson Gang...

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxzslO18K34/V1RsojucJjI/AAAAAAAABec/PVoD_tKSOxALnfvezQ9mui-YLWqgmTSkACKgB/s1600/The%2BJackson%2BGang.png)

We're currently using the Dead Man's Hand ruleset, which seems to be great fun, and have begun building up the town, Iron Creek. For anyone who might be interested we've set up a blog charting our adventures:
http://ironcreek.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://ironcreek.blogspot.co.uk/)

I'm now working on the good guys, more as soon as the paint dries!

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elk101 on June 06, 2016, 05:16:48 PM

Nice job and your blog is an interesting read too. Those dice are impressive!

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Legionnaire on June 06, 2016, 05:32:29 PM

Welcome to the OW madness! They say the western is dead, but I beg to differ  ;).

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 06, 2016, 05:34:15 PM

Thanks Elk :).

The blog is a fun way of keeping the motivation going and sharing pics of what we're up to so hopefully it'll keep growing as the town and gangs get sorted. And yes, the dice are very cool - I'd certainly recommend Q-Workshop, they got them to the UK from Poland very quickly and the dice are great quality.

And thanks Legionnaire - the western isn't dead in my games room!

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on June 06, 2016, 06:31:27 PM

Just glancing at the picture I'm a fan.

A) 4Ground building, check.
B) Black Scorpion minis, check.
C) What I believe is a Deep Cut Studios mat, check.

All is right with the world. 

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 06, 2016, 06:37:59 PM

Elbows, you have everything correct there! We're aiming for maximum enjoyment and painted figures and terrain are very much up there on the to-do list. 4Ground and the mat made things really easy (I'm building the Sheriff's office today ahead of a game tomorrow).

We're researching more essentials for Old West gaming at present. Last game saw the introduction of shot glasses and some decent bourbon...(Knob Creek to celebrate the construction of Rogan's Bar in Iron Creek). Next up Jerkey perhaps? I'm not so sure about that one -  all suggestions are very welcome!

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on June 06, 2016, 06:58:10 PM

We did gorge ourselves on bison burgers and chili one game.  lol  Look up 1864 playing card decks, super cool and period correct if you use playing cards in your games.  We also used small .22 caliber shell casings for out-of-ammo tokens.  lol

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 06, 2016, 07:48:29 PM

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only person combining gaming and food!

The shell casings sound good. We've just ordered some bullet casings too, but just the firing caps. I'd be interested to see how your shells look, are they up on your blog somewhere?

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Harry Faversham on June 06, 2016, 08:11:38 PM

PW, how have the dice turned out can you see 'em easy enough? I'm thinking of getting some for my Western games.

???

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 06, 2016, 08:24:10 PM

I think they're fine so far. They aren't as clear as they would be without all the fancy pictures but they're still easy enough to read and they're very satisfying to have on the tabl. As there aren't too many dice to roll at once it's not been a problem.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Harry Faversham on June 06, 2016, 08:50:44 PM

Thanks for that, we play Fistful of Lead and have the custom made card pack, I'm thinking the 'cowboy dice' will be a nice edition.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on June 06, 2016, 09:39:19 PM

Yeah the dice looked a bit busy to me, but I shy away from most of those - spot on with DMH though.  You don't need too many dice.  When we initially played LOTOW we did use some wooden D6 dice that I bought to add flavor.

I don't think I have a pic of the shell casings, lol.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 07, 2016, 09:01:02 AM

Iron Creek is off to a great start, a very nice looking blog too. Looking forward to seeing you progress on this, great work! I do want to get the 4Ground Sheriff's Office for my town when funds permit!

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mason on June 07, 2016, 10:14:18 AM

That is a great start.
 :-* :-*

Now I feel the need to check out your blog later when time permits.
 :D

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Deedles on June 07, 2016, 11:16:41 AM

Great to see a new town on the board.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 07, 2016, 03:11:24 PM

Thanks everyone, the Sheriff's office is ready for a game tonight, it's a really great kit though perhaps the fiddliest I've built so far (though the windows of Rogan's Bar might just have that honour!). If we get our act together there should be a post-game report coming soon.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 07, 2016, 05:04:36 PM

Quote

there should be a post-game report coming soon

I look forward to seeing that.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: horridperson on June 09, 2016, 09:54:44 AM

Those are sharp.  I don't trust that guy in the black duster; looks like a nasty bit of trouble.  I've been looking at those Black Scorpion models for a while now but they were unpainted.  Looking at yours I want some and I haven't even got around to playing OW yet.  What system are you using?  I think I'd like to dry DMH but my seller is sold out  :-[.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 09, 2016, 02:55:23 PM

We're using Dead Man's Hand and enjoying it a lot. It's a quick and easy game with a very free-flowing ruleset that priveledges cinematic fun over realism in a way that appeals to me at the moment. For example, if you want your dude to climb onto a roof, that's fine, don't worry about climbing tests or move reduction, just stick him up there, it'll look cool!

I'm also a big fan of the Black Scorpion models, I think the poses look great and they paint up really fast - to the level I'm happy with anyway!

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: horridperson on June 10, 2016, 03:31:28 AM

Yeah those BS models are sweet.  They managed to capture some real spaghetti character in most of them;  I particularly like their townsfolk.  I've also been looking at the DMH and artizan ones.  I find them a little more hit and miss but the scale comparisons look to check out well so I'll be able to choose the ones I like best.  I'm going to pick up some figures just to paint something different and like the sounds of the DMH rules but choosing between rules sets and models the models always get me more interested in a new project.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on June 11, 2016, 09:21:14 PM

I loved Black Scorpion prior to resin...now I won't buy anymore.  I find the 32mm Knuckleduster digital sculpts to be superb and a perfect match for the BS minis.  I'll be sticking to them for the near future --- wonderful, and metal.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: horridperson on June 12, 2016, 06:39:38 AM

@elbows

Those Knuckleduster models look awesome and the price is pretty nice too.  I think I'll be dealing with them somewhere down the road.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on June 13, 2016, 01:54:13 AM

Yep, if you're looking to match Black Scorpion go with the 32mm ones...other smaller marques, maybe try the proper 28?  I haven't seen the smaller figures.  The 32's aren't super big (about the exact same as Black Scorpion).

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 13, 2016, 01:18:00 PM

Elbows- what are you thouhts with the BS resin? I know I'd prefer metal (from habit) but I'm hoping the resin is ok.

My Outlaws are all old metal models so I've not got much experience with their resin yet (I've got a couple which have been ok though there have been some fairly fiddly mould lines to work on.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mason on June 13, 2016, 01:34:48 PM

Quote from: pw on June 13, 2016, 01:18:00 PM

Elbows- what are you thouhts with the BS resin? I know I'd prefer metal (from habit) but I'm hoping the resin is ok.

I know Elbows is not keen on resin figures, and neither am I.
I feel that resin figures are too fragile for the rigours of gaming and also prefer the 'heft' of a metal figure when painting.
All of my own BS figures are metal for these reasons.

I am sure that you could still pick up metal versions if you look around, or put an advert in the (WANTED) section of the Bazaar. I managed to acquire all of mine this way and also picked a few up on ebay.

Another option, which seem to match in pretty well with the BS stuff, scale-wise, is the options in the Reaper range or the Galloping Major figures also size up nicely. My own Blind Beggar figures are also designed to work with BS (but I would say that though, wouldn't I... :D) as they were made with that intention in mind.

This is the only pic I have comparing BB and GM to BS....

(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a416/blindbeggarminiatures/26257a02-0624-43a3-9f03-75c1be082934_zpsgv6d7pys.jpg)

Blind Beggar, Galloping Major, Blind Beggar, Black Scorpion



To be fair, I mix and match quite a lot of manufacturers in my bands.
If you take a look at some of my pics here:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=60011.2460

....you will see a fair mix of stuff together and can judge for yourself.

I hope that helps... :)

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on June 13, 2016, 02:53:34 PM

I'm in the park with Mason.

As a rule I find resin extremely fragile for gaming purposes.  In addition the first batch of Black Scorpion figures I received in resin were some of their pirates and they were completely terrible.  Fragile, crumbly, huge air bubbles, and some arrived broken.  They sent me a few free figures.  The later Old West ones were a bit better but overall I won't go back to resin.  I've found that some resin - the GW-esque stuff is very prone to bending/warping when hot/warm.  That includes inside of a car here in the states if it gets too warm.

I picked up some resin "corpses" from Great Escape Games and they were the very worst single items I've ever received from a miniatures company (the resin didn't help)

http://myminiaturemischief.blogspot.com/2016/01/bodies-and-boxes.html

^Shows the absolutely god awful corpses from GEG.

I'm not a master painter...I do not find the extra detail of resin to justify the extra work.  I believe it is a complete farse that companies think people want resin in place of metal or plastic.  Note this is entirely strong personal opinion.  I'll buy some larger bulky resin terrain bits (barrels, boxes etc.) but for actual gaming models I stay as far away from resin as possible.  If Knuckleduster keeps up their fantastic sculpts in 32mm metal (which are some absolutely stunning clean casts) I'll never give Black Scorpion another cent.  The nonsense "this allows us to ship for cheaper" crap is just that - crap.

 lol (steps down off soap box)

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on June 29, 2016, 10:27:37 PM

I've just painted up some lawmen (a mix of metal and resin) to battle the desperados who are causing havoc on the streets of Iron Creek. Here's a quick pic...

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd46/HarryJakeWake/lawmen.jpg)

And thanks for the recommendations for other figures, I've just seen that Caliver Books sell Knuckleduster miniatures and plan to order some soon. It'll be interesting to see how the look alongside the BS cowboys.

 

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on June 29, 2016, 11:28:53 PM

pw, I'll try to snap some pics with minis next to each other soon.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 30, 2016, 07:38:01 AM

Quote from: pw on June 29, 2016, 10:27:37 PM

I've just painted up some lawmen (a mix of metal and resin) to battle the desperados who are causing havoc on the streets of Iron Creek. Here's a quick pic...

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd46/HarryJakeWake/lawmen.jpg)

And thanks for the recommendations for other figures, I've just seen that Caliver Books sell Knuckleduster miniatures and plan to order some soon. It'll be interesting to see how the look alongside the BS cowboys.

 

The lawmen look great. Iron Creek is coming on nicely. This might help for a size comparison with Black Scorpion and Knuckleduster, apologies for the unpainted figures.

(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q645/Mad_Lord_Snapcase/Hog%20Thief%20Bend/Hog%20Thief%20Bend%20037_zpsuygyqeeo.jpg) (http://s1352.photobucket.com/user/Mad_Lord_Snapcase/media/Hog%20Thief%20Bend/Hog%20Thief%20Bend%20037_zpsuygyqeeo.jpg.html)

L-R: Black Scorpion, Knuckleduster, Black Scorpion, Knuckleduster, Black Scorpion, Knuckleduster,

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mason on June 30, 2016, 07:46:17 AM

Nice work on the lawmen.
 :-* :-*

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: horridperson on June 30, 2016, 07:51:25 AM

Echoing what's already been said the lawmen are sweet.  I need me some of those.  I particularly like the mounted figure.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on July 01, 2016, 03:23:40 PM

Thanks for the kind words.

Elbows, that comparison post is great. Is the hostage taking figure available? I've seen that on the BS website but haven't been able to figure out how to get one? Perhaps it was a Salute only one?

In related news, due to an Ebay accident occured during our search for an 1880s silver dollar, we're running an improptu competion over on the blog. If you fancy resolving tie breakers with an, erm... 'replica' silver dollar head over to the blog to sign yourself up: http://ironcreek.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/the-toss-of-coin.html (http://ironcreek.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/the-toss-of-coin.html)

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on July 02, 2016, 06:16:17 AM

I'm glad you got a refund for the counterfeit dollars! I've made a comment on your blog.

Quote

Elbows, that comparison post is great. Is the hostage taking figure available? I've seen that on the BS website but haven't been able to figure out how to get one? Perhaps it was a Salute only one?

I believe you are referring to my post there? The hostage taking figure came as a set with the figure second in from the right. I think it was an offer on Black Scorpion's website. Spend so much in an order and get that set for a special price, something like that. It is a rather nice little vignette.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on July 02, 2016, 10:16:14 AM

Sorry, yes of course I meant your post. The forum post going over two pages was clearly too much for my poor memory! I'll send BS an email to see if the vignette is still around (it's called 'An incident on Main Street' I think). As soon as I have the new BS Earps painted up I'll be getting  myself some Knuckleduster figures, they're clearly the right size and there are some really nice sculpts to choose from and I must confess that I'm also a fan of metal miniatures (probably showing my age!).

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on July 02, 2016, 11:07:37 AM

Yes, you won't be disappointed by the Knuckleduster minis, they are excellent! I want to get some more.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: pw on July 02, 2016, 10:13:29 PM

Here's a lawman who wandered off during the team photo...

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK1BdGYOUfo/V3fc5VyzsXI/AAAAAAAABg4/CTCoK7q3SnIl4a2p_hQQos_4ruvrG3zrACLcB/s1600/P1040262.jpg)

This guy, Virgil Gunn, proved to be something of a liability during yesterday's game of Dead Man's Hand. Finding himself in a one-on-one gunfight he promptly drew a joker for initiative (the lowest card), then rolled a 1 on a D20 (jamming his gun). Luckily for him his opponent did exactly the same. Quite possibly the most rubbish gunfight in the history of the Old West!

As ever there are more pics on the blog.

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Elbows on July 03, 2016, 11:04:19 PM

He's gonna be "that guy" huh?  lol

Title: Re: Introducing Iron Creek, and the Jackson Gang...
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on July 04, 2016, 07:41:15 AM

Quote

This guy, Virgil Gunn, proved to be something of a liability during yesterday's game of Dead Man's Hand. Finding himself in a one-on-one gunfight he promptly drew a joker for initiative (the lowest card), then rolled a 1 on a D20 (jamming his gun). Luckily for him his opponent did exactly the same. Quite possibly the most rubbish gunfight in the history of the Old West!

Love it!   lol